Matt Ioannidis gaining recognition for improved play

One of the unsung heroes of the Washington Redskins defense who is beginning to gain attention is defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis. It could be argued that the second-year defensive lineman is one of the most improved players for the Burgundy and Gold this season.

Recently, Pro Football Focus reported that the former Temple standout is one of the best interior pass rushers after six games this season. Last year, the 305-pound defensive lineman only played in 10 games where he had eight combined tackles and no sacks.

After five games Ioannidis’s 3.5 sacks are tied for second with Pro Bowl linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. When professional football analysts attempt to understand the overall improvement of the 2017 Redskins, the quality play of Ioannidis is a part of that ongoing story. Coach Jay Gruden recently shared his thoughts about the improved play of the second year defensive lineman.

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“He is playing some three-technique in nickel, getting some opportunities to rush where he didn’t get that last year,” Gruden said. “He mainly was a base player playing the run. Now he is actually in sub packages rushing the passer. So he is getting more opportunities.”

According to stats from coaching staff, Ioannidis leads the team in QB pressures/hits with 43. Next closest is Jonathan Allen with 29.

In 2017, Ioannidis already has 10 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks after five games and his improved play has several NFL insiders taking notice. In the Redskins 26-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the 6’3″ defensive tackle had three combined tackles for 1.5 sacks.

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Maurice Hawkins

Maurice Hawkins is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications & Journalism from Norfolk State University. Maurice served as a social media organizer for 2012 Barack Obama presidential campaign in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He provided social media consultation for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Maurice serves as one of the lead organizers of the #RedskinsTweetTeam.